Drumma Boy Talks Past, Success, And Upcoming Placements

With the success of Young Jeezy‘s “Put On” [click to listen] and Rick Ross‘ “Here I Am,” Memphis, Tennessee-born producer Drumma Boy has become a fast-rising star of the new year. However, just as was the case with the rise of DJ Toomp [click to read] and Kanye West, this hitmaker has a catalogue of work that’s led him to the blockbusters.

“A lot of people are surprised of my history, and where I come from after they find out, look me up or Google me. Regardless, if you’re paying attention or not, I’ma just keep continue to do what I love,” said the young phenom to HipHopDX yesterday. Before the producer placed singles with Scarface [click to read], Young Jeezy [click to read] and T.I. [click to read], Drumma Boy adds that he had placements with an array of artists including Tela, Gangsta Boo and Pastor Troy.

With the new level of exposure, Drumma Boy admits that he’s evaluating his business model a bit differently. “As the product gets better, the price has to go up. Bottom line.
That’s what you pay dues for; that’s what you grind for,” he said. The producer revealed that in high school, he was charging $200 a beat, leading to his first major label placement with Tela for $2,500. However, despite his platinum-status after this year, some values have not changed. “I’m a businessman at the same time. If
an artist is not capable of poppin’ off like a major [label] artist,
publishing is not gonna be a benefit to me. Worrying about publishing
is not gonna be a biggie. I can charge this guy $7,000, and keep it
movin’.” Perhaps referring to longtime collaborator Young Jeezy, the producer reveals that smaller up front money has returned in three singles on a project, eight track placements, amidst a then-major label budget. “I’ve gotten
my money back in so many ways just ’cause I was lenient from the
initial advance, but I’m gonna get my money back on the publishing.” Thus, the rising rates are upheld by the mantra, “You can never charge just one set price.”

In the grand scheme, Drumma states his goal, “I’m just trying to take over the industry for like 10 years straight, make a difference.” His own challenge, he adds, is “to have a longer run than The Neptunes,” who the producer cites as his heroes for their creativity and drive.

Drumma Boy has placements on albums from Keyshia Cole, Monica and Ludacris coming shortly. He added that he is hoping to work again with Scarface and Jay-Z on their respective projects.

Drumma Boy Live, the producer’s imprint will release The Drum Squad this fall as well.